Armenia, China sign military cooperation agreement

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—Armenia and China have agreed to continue their mostly unpublicized defense cooperation during talks held in Yerevan between senior military officials from the two countries.
A delegation of the Chinese Defense Ministry led by Major-General Xi Gowei met with Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian and other senior Armenian officials during a three-day visit that ended on Sunday.
A statement by the Armenian Defense Ministry said that the two sides signed an “agreement on bilateral military and military-technical cooperation.” It gave no details of that agreement.
The statement instead quoted Ohanian as praising the deal and saying that the development of Chinese-Armenian military ties has “promising prospects.” His first deputy, Davit Ohanian, called for “the full use of the existing potential in defense cooperation.”
The Chinese officials also held separate meetings with the heads of the Armenian Defense Ministry’s departments on defense policy and personnel and military training. “Agreements were reached on developing cooperation in military education, rear supplies, the military-technical and other spheres,” the ministry statement said without elaborating.
Defense links between the two countries date back to the late 1990s. Armenia reportedly received at the time several batteries of Chinese WM-80 multiple-launch rocket systems that have a firing range of up to 80 kilometers. Their delivery prompted protests from Azerbaijan.
China has also trained several dozen Armenian officers at its military academies. Meeting with a visiting Chinese army general in 2004, then Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian thanked Beijing for its “assistance” provided to the Armenian armed forces.
Sarkisian continued to emphasize China’s importance for Armenia after becoming president in 2008. “Armenia is interested in deepening relations with China,” he told Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Yerevan in February last year.
Yang similarly expressed his country’s readiness to expand bilateral ties in all areas of mutual interest. China regards Armenia as a “trustworthy and reliable friend,” he said.

Help AYF build bridges to the homeland

Spending six weeks in Armenia was a dream come true, I can honestly say it wasn’t anything short of amazing. I was able to invest my time and energy into helping the children of Armenia, rather than sending my money from across the globe through a computer screen. Seeing the smiling faces of those eager and optimistic kids of Stepanagert, Gyumri, and Broshyan was all I needed to get out of bed every morning to make it to camp.
Even after many late nights of hanging out with the local AYF members, or having our own “kef” time with our group, we made sure we had enough energy to give it back to the kids come 9:00 a.m. It was those late nights with the Ungers, those moments where we ventured off into the city on our own, and our countless hours spent with the kids, that was when we unknowingly created bridges to our homeland.

The children of Armenia touched by the Youth Corps program
The bridges I speak of are not meant to be taken in a literal sense, it is meant to serve as a metaphor for creating an everlasting bond to our home, our kids, our future, our Armenia. The AYF Youth Corps Program has not only tightened the ropes to the bond I share with Hayastan, but it has opened a door of possibilities; the possibility to eventually move back home to Armenia and make a difference with my own two hands.
I encourage everyone to apply to the Youth Corps Program, it will change your life in its entirety.
If you cannot participate this coming year, you can always help out by taking part in our fundraiser and purchasing a Youth Corps water bottle for just $10.

Buy the water bottles and support Youth Corps
With your help, the funds collected can help us purchase 3 water bottles for every 1 sold, to give out to our campers during the program. Help us put a bigger smile on their faces, and I’m sure one will come across yours.

Mediterranean Meal for the homeless

PASADENA—On Wednesday, December 21, M-Local Mediterranean Grill joined forces with Pasadena’s Union Station Homeless Services in order to provide a free holiday meal for hundreds of people at the Union Station Homeless Services’ Adult Center.
The hot meal featured some of M’s most popular items, including Koubideh Kebab, Shirazi Salad, Hummus, and Rice. To sweeten the meal, Baklava was served for dessert.
“This was an incredible experience today,” said Tim Tabakian, owner of M. “There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to give back to those in need in our community, especially during the holidays.”
“Union Station Homeless Services is thrilled that men and women residing at our Adult Center received this delicious holiday meal, thanks to ‘M’,” said Rabbi Marv Gross, Union Station Homeless Services CEO. “We rely on the generosity of our community to help people rebuild their lives, and we are grateful that ‘M’ is now part of the solution.”
Since its opening in July of last year, M (105 N. Hill Ave. #101, Pasadena, CA 91106) has been steadily gaining notoriety for their traditional Mediterranean dishes served with a uniquely modern approach.
“Before even opening our doors, we had made a strong commitment to give back to our community whenever possible,” said Tabakian. “Teaming up with Union Station Homeless Services was a natural step toward that direction. They’re a fantastic organization with a great cause, and we look forward to continue partnering with them.”
About M-Local Mediterranean Grill:
M-Local Mediterranean Grill was established in 2010 in Pasadena, CA. Located just minutes from Pasadena City College, M serves traditional, fresh Mediterranean Cuisine with a modern approach. Taking flavors from all over the Mediterranean, M’s goal is to provide quality, healthy meals at affordable prices. ‘Eat Healthy. Eat Local. Eat M.’ 105 N. Hill Ave. #101, Pasadena, CA 91106 www.MLocalGrill.com, Facebook.com/MLocalGrill
About Union Station Homeless Services:
Pasadena-based Union Station Homeless Services is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. Our mission is to help men, women and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness. Union Station provides comprehensive services to help homeless individuals achieve self-sufficiency, including intake and assessm ent, emergency shelter, case management, career counseling, transitional housing, medical and mental health services, women’s and family services, and housing resources. www.unionstationhs.org.